Priming method for filter

Abstract

A priming method for a filter, whereby the outlet of a spent filter is connected to the inlet of a fresh filter, and the spent filter is inverted. A drain in the spent filter is then opened to allow air to enter the spent filter and fluid to drain from the clean side of the spent filter into the fresh filter.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for priming a fresh filter, the said fresh filter having filtration media enclosed within a housing having a drain in a lower end, and the housing including inlet and outlet ports in an upper end to direct fluid into and out of the housing, the filtration media in said fresh filter becoming spent over time as the filter removes particulate and other contaminants in a fluid stream passing through the media; the method comprising i) closing an inlet port of a spent filter and connecting an outlet port of said spent filter to said inlet port of said fresh filter; ii) inverting said spent filter; iii) opening the drain in said spent filter in an inverted position to allow air to enter said spent filter through the drain, and fluid in said spent filter to drain under gravity into said fresh filter, and thereby expelling air in said fresh filter through said outlet port of said fresh filter; and iv) disconnecting said spent filter from said fresh filter. 
     
     
       2. The method as in  claim 1 , wherein said spent filter is connected via a tube to said fresh filter when the fluid drains under gravity to said fresh filter. 
     
     
       3. The method as in  claim 1 , wherein a cap is initially located so as to close said inlet port of said spent filter, as the fluid is drained to said fresh filter. 
     
     
       4. The method as in  claim 1 , wherein the step of inverting said spent filter further includes locating the drain above the level of said outlet port of said spent filter. 
     
     
       5. The method as in  claim 4 , wherein air enters the lower end of said spent filter when said spent filter is inverted and the air enters the drain of said spent filter. 
     
     
       6. A method for priming a fresh filter, the said fresh filter having filtration media enclosed within a housing having a drain in a lower end, and the housing including inlet and outlet ports in an upper end cap to direct fluid into and out of the housing, the filter media in said fresh filter becoming spent over time as the filter removes particulate and other contaminants in a fluid stream passing through the media; the method comprising in sequence: i) locating a cap over an inlet port of a spent filter so as to close said inlet port and connecting an outlet port of said spent filter via a tube to said inlet port of said fresh filter; ii) inverting said spent filter; iii) opening the drain in said spent filter in an inverted position to allow air to enter said spent filter through the drain, and fluid in said spent filter to drain under gravity into said fresh filter, and thereby expelling any air in said fresh filter through said outlet port of (said) fresh filter; and iv) disconnecting said spent filter from said fresh filter. 
     
     
       7. The method as in  claim 6 , wherein the step of inverting said spent filter further includes locating the drain above the level of said outlet port of said spent filter. 
     
     
       8. The method as in  claim 7 , wherein air enters the lower end of said spent filter when said spent filter is inverted and the air enters the drain of said spent filter. 
     
     
       9. A method for priming a fresh filter, the said fresh filter having filtration media enclosed within a housing, and the housing including inlet and outlet ports in an upper end to direct fluid into and out of the housing and a drain opening in a lower end of the housing, the filtration media in said fresh filter becoming spent over time as the filter removes particulate and other contaminants in a fluid stream passing through the media; the method comprising i) closing an inlet port of a spent filter and connecting an outlet port of said spent filter to said inlet port of said fresh filter; ii) inverting said spent filter; iii) allowing air to enter the drain opening in the lower end of the housing and fluid in said spent filter in an inverted position to drain under gravity into said fresh filter, and thereby expelling air in said fresh filter through said outlet port of said fresh filter; and iv) disconnecting said spent filter from said fresh filter. 
     
     
       10. The method as in  claim 9 , wherein the step of inverting said spent filter further includes locating the drain opening above the level of said outlet port of said spent filter. 
     
     
       11. The method as in  claim 10 , wherein air enters the lower end of said spent filter when said spent filter is inverted and the air enters the drain opening of said spent filter.